By dining at great restaurants in Tenerife, you can try the exquisite Mediterranean-inspired cuisine native to the island. Think seafood paella, grilled fish and meats, and Canarian potatoes. Besides traditional Canarian fare, you can find inventive Michelin-starred dishes and modern takes on local recipes. Whether you're hoping for a relaxed meal or looking to celebrate with something more formal, Tenerife has plenty of excellent restaurants to choose from.

When making a reservation, remember that many of the best restaurants fill up quickly, so it's always best to book in advance. With delicious cuisine, local wines, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere typical of the Canary Islands, any of these options would make for an enjoyable dining experience.

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    Bodegas Monje

    Family-run winery and restaurant

    Bodegas Monje
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    If you want to taste some of the best Canarian food and wine, head to Bodegas Monje in the north of Tenerife. The restaurant and winery offers a variety of Canarian delights to try. And what better way to enjoy a multi-course tasting menu than with a view of the ocean and surrounding mountains?

    Some of the menu highlights include fresh fish, roasted pork and the traditional Canarian potato dish, papas arrugadas. There's also a shop where you can purchase some of the wines to take home with you. Before your meal, you can join a tour of the vineyard, where you'll learn about and sample some signature wines.

    Locatie: C. Cruz de Leandro, 36, 38360 El Sauzal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

    Openingstijden: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +34 922 58 50 27

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    San Sebastián 57

    Tuck into regional cuisine accompanied by local wine

    San Sebastián 57
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    San Sebastián 57 is a small, cosy, upscale restaurant specialising in contemporary Spanish dishes and regional wines. The chef here prepares modernised traditional dishes inspired by cooking styles from other nations, including those from South America.

    For something truly special, order the tasting menu, which includes a variety of small plates flawlessly executed for you to enjoy. Save space for the delicious cheesecake! The staff here are friendly and welcoming and happy to help you choose a bottle of wine from the wide selection to pair with your meal. Bookings are essential.

    Locatie: Av. de San Sebastián, 57, 38005 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

    Openingstijden: Monday from 1 pm to 4 pm and from 8 pm to 11 pm, Tuesday from 1 pm to 4 pm and from 8 pm to 11.30 pm, Wednesday–Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm and from 8 pm to 11.30 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Telefoonnummer: +34 822 10 43 25

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    Tela Marinera Restaurante

    A relaxed spot for seafood paella and risotto

    Tela Marinera Restaurante
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    Tela Marinera Restaurante is a great seafood restaurant located in the centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. With an emphasis on Spanish and Mediterranean flavours, the restaurant serves a variety of paellas and rice dishes sure to tantalise your taste buds. Menu highlights include seafood paella, ceviche, and fried calamari.

    One of the best things about Tela Marinera is its outdoor patio, with seating under big old trees in front of a historic Franciscan building. And thanks to the warm Canarian climate, you can enjoy the space throughout the year – by day or night.

    Locatie: Calle de S. Francisco, 14, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

    Openingstijden: Monday–Thursday from 1 pm to midnight, Friday–Saturday from 1 pm to 12.30 am

    Telefoonnummer: +34 922 28 29 81

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    Mesón El Monasterio

    A famous and picturesque dining venue

    Mesón El Monasterio
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    El Monasterio Tenerife is a dining complex set in a historic monastery perched above Puerto de la Cruz on the island's north coast. It's well known as a relaxed and charming spot to dine with family or friends. There are 5 places to eat, each serving different types of food.

    For international and Spanish cuisine and stunning views, sit at one of the terrace restaurants. There, you can tuck into delicious local dishes such as steak, roast suckling pig, or duck with tomatoes and apples while soaking up panoramic vistas of the village of Los Realejos and the ocean.

    Locatie: Carretera La Montañeta, 12, 38419 La Montañeta, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

    Openingstijden: Monday from midday to 11.55 pm, Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 11.55 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +34 922 34 07 07

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    foto door Николай Максимович (CC BY 3.0) bewerkt

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    El Secreto de Chimiche

    Enjoy modern takes on traditional dishes

    El Secreto de Chimiche
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    El Secreto de Chimiche is located in a small house of an old tomato packing company. On the menu, you can find modern interpretations of traditional Canarian food, plus plenty of dishes cooked on a wood-fired grill. Be sure to try one of their specialities: fabulous aged meats. And what's even better is that you can enjoy them with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

    The restaurant's roadside location in the south of the island and the simple yet stylish renovated interior with a rustic style and cosy nooks adds to the eatery's charm. While it may be a bit off the beaten path, the stunning scenery along the way makes the drive worthwhile.

    Locatie: TF-28, 4, 38594 Chimiche, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

    Openingstijden: Monday–Thursday from 1 pm to 5.30 pm, Friday–Saturday from 1 pm to 10 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +34 922 77 72 79

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    Bodegón Campestre

    Rustic family-friendly restaurant for grilled meats

    Bodegón Campestre
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    Bodegón Campestre is a relaxed, down-to-earth roadside spot with a local feel and delicious food. The menu features a variety of meats, including chicken, steak, and pork, all of which are grilled to perfection.

    The best time to visit Bodegón Campestre is for lunch when you can enjoy the daytime views of the surrounding countryside. The restaurant is located up in the mountains in north Tenerife, so it's best to have your own transportation. And be sure to make a reservation in advance or arrive early, as the place is quite popular, particularly with locals.

    Locatie: C. Bethencourt, 1, 38290 La Esperanza, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

    Openingstijden: Sunday–Thursday from 12.30 pm to 5 pm, Friday–Saturday from 12.30 pm to 11 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +34 922 54 80 57

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    El Rincon de Juan Carlos

    Inventive local dishes in a fine-dining setting

    El Rincon de Juan Carlos
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    El Rincon de Juan Carlos is a Michelin-starred restaurant located at the Royal Hideaway Corales Beach resort on Tenerife’s southeast coast. There’s no menu, only a multi-course tasting menu accompanied by artisanal sourdough bread and wine pairing options. Every dish is a work of art – conceptually bold and flawlessly executed from start to finish.

    The menu changes throughout the year and is subject to seasonal ingredients. You can expect to find fresh seafood and inventive dishes such as blackberry sorbet with smoked yoghurt, beetroot and green Sichuan pepper cream. The restaurant is located on the 5th floor and offers sea views from several tables. Make a reservation well in advance, as tables fill up fast.

    Locatie: Royal Hideaway Corales Beach, Av. Virgen de Guadalupe, 21, 5ª Planta, 38679 Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

    Openingstijden: Tuesday–Saturday from 6.30 pm to 9 pm (closed Sundays and Mondays)

    Telefoonnummer: +34 922 86 80 40

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    Masia Del Mar

    An award-winning, family-run eatery serving delicious Canarian fare

    Masia Del Mar
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    • Eten

    Masia Del Mar is a highly-rated seafood restaurant in La Caleta, offering fresh catches of the day, plus more traditional meat and vegetable dishes. The menu changes daily, but you can always find their signature specialities, which include seafood paella, grilled lobster, and a rich shellfish and seafood stew. The restaurant has an extensive wine list, and the staff are happy to help you find the perfect bottle to accompany your meal.

    If you're looking for a romantic setting, Masia Del Mar is an ideal spot. The restaurant is in a converted 18th-century villa overlooking the ocean, with an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy stunning sunset views. Reservations are essential, as the restaurant is popular with locals and tourists.

    Locatie: C. El Muelle, 3, 38670 La Caleta, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

    Openingstijden: Daily from midday to 11 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +34 922 71 08 95

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    Restaurante Otelo

    The best Canarian fried chicken with the best view in Tenerife

    Restaurante Otelo
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    Restaurante Otelo offers a unique – and delicious – dining experience. This eatery is located in South Tenerife on the edge of a cliff, offering stunning views, especially at sunset. While the menu features salads, steak, and rabbit dishes, there are really only 2 choices: chicken or no chicken.

    Their famous fried, crispy chicken is a perfect marriage between garlic and a secret blend of herbs. If you're not keen to drive to the top of a steep slope, check out Otelo II, which is run by the same family and located on the promenade in Fanabe. While it doesn't offer the same breathtaking views, it's an excellent spot for a tasty chicken lunch.

    Locatie: C. de los Molinos, 44, 38670 Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

    Openingstijden: Wednesday–Monday from 11 am to 9.30 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

    Telefoonnummer: +34 922 78 03 74

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    Mesón Era Las Mozas Tenerife

    Enjoy traditional Canarian cuisine in a scenic setting

    Mesón Era Las Mozas Tenerife
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    Mesón Era Las Mozas' charming setting in a 200-year-old house with an inner courtyard and rustic wooden tables and chairs is a beautiful setting for a delicious meal of grilled meats and fish. The portions are enormous and prepared with authentic local recipes and high-quality ingredients, so you know you're in for a treat.

    The restaurant is about a 20-minute drive from Costa Adeje, so you'll need to drive or take a taxi here. Though it's a less popular route, the beautiful views of the countryside make it worth taking. Make a reservation in advance to ensure you get a table.

    Locatie: C. la Cabezada, 26, bajo, 38626 Valle de San Lorenzo, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

    Openingstijden: Tuesday–Sunday from 1 pm to 11 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Telefoonnummer: +34 922 76 55 97

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Jacqui de Klerk | Schrijver